A Monumental Icon of The Archangel Michael, Greece, 17th century, probably Zakhynthos

the imposing figure of Archangel Michael depicted in frontal pose against a blue cloudy background, standing on a green marbled ground wearing a bright red tunic, a cuirass decorated with gold and a purple mantle tied with a knot on the left shoulder, holding a sword in his left hand and an open scroll in his other hand, his wings decorated with fine gold lines 

Some repainting, especially in the upper central part of the hair, the left part of the face and neck of the angel and in the blue clouds of the background, the right part and lower patr of the wooden carved frame renewed at a later date
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The interesting and unusual cloudy blue background of the icon can be compared with the background of two large 17th century icons of St John the Forerunner in the Zakynthos Museum, Greece, both originally framed in the same way as the present Archangel Michael icon (Zoe Mylona, The Zakynthos Museum, Athens 1998, Cat. Nos 73, 74)

The iconographic type of the Archangel Michael as Guardian Angel has Palailogan roots and was widespread from the middle Byzantine era. Because of his role as a protector, Michael was often portrayed on small icons and amulets. However the main representation  of this type is encountered in the Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches where he was depicted on frescos and large icons near the sanctuary or the entrance of the church. The present icon was probably intended to be placed in the iconostasis of a church.